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CLEVELAND -- Cleveland schools got a report card from the state that was expected but still very disappointing.

In nine new letter-graded categories, the district received 6 Fs, 2 Cs and 1 D. But the snapshot and results came from where schools were in March.

Schools were still coping with massive teacher layoffs, a shorter school day and overcrowded classes.

Mayor Frank Jackson who rallied voters to approve a school levy for a transformation plan that promises big improvement kept the results in perspective.

"Anytime you get these results you should not be happy. But this is something we did before....Yesterday's news...That's over with, move on," he said.

Superintendent Eric Gordon offered a similar view.

"This is a look in the rear view mirror. It's why we fought for the Cleveland Plan...We have committed to changing rapidly and now the public can make an apples to apples comparison and hold us accountable," he said.

Both the Schools CEO and the Mayor were pleasantly surprised with students, parents and staff enthusiasm for the start of a new year that hopefully launches a new era.

Mayor Jackson said, "In recent years I've never seen parents and children as enthusiastic as they are now.....even my grandson got up early (on the first day)."

Gordon has visited 17 schools since Monday and reports upbeat and excited parents, children and staff.

Gordon and Jackson both call the report card a benchmark to measure the transformation plan's accomplishment which hopefully will be reflected in the next set of grades next August.